Inner and Outer Thigh Exercise Machine

ABSTRACT

An exercise device for the inner and outer thighs is discloses that includes a first arm and a second arm that extend from a central rod to allow for pivotal movement about the rod, wherein the first arm and said second arm further include a first and second plates and the plates are positioned on the proximal end of the arms, a resistance element is positioned between the first and second plates, and the arms further include a leg engagement elements on the distal ends of the arms, which provide lateral surfaces on opposite sides that are adapted to be engaged by both inner and outer sides of a human leg and, the device includes a movable flange member attached to the rod that is adapted to impose a variable axial force driving the second plate towards the first plate and compressing the resistance element, thereby creating a resistance to the rotation of said arms with respect to one another.

This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Application No. 62/391,164.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention disclosed herein relates to exercise equipment and methods or exercising with an exercise device, and more particularly, an exercise device that targets the muscles of the inner and outer thighs.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The exercise of the thigh muscles has many advantages that include increasing fitness, sculpting and shaping the body. Such exercise may also serve to help relieve both hip and back pain. The anterior compartment is known as the extensor compartment, the medial compartment is known as the adductor compartment, and the posteriorc compartment which is the flexor compartment. The inner thigh muscles or aductor compartment includes the adductor magnus, the adductor brevis, the adductor longus, the gracilis and the pectineus. The gracilis muscle, located in the groin starts at the external point of the ischiopubic ramus (on the pubic bone) and extends down to the upper medial (middle) shaft of the tibia, or shinbone. The gracilis is responsible for hip adduction and assists knee flexion. Muscles that are responsible for thigh abduction include the piriformis, the obturator internus, the gemelli and the quadratus femoris.

A number of devices have been developed to target the exercise of the thigh muscles. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,179,756 (“the '756 Patent”) discloses a firm solid block with side surfaces that are contoured to fit between a user's inner thighs. The device disclosed by the '756 Patent is placed between a seated user's inner thighs just above the knees. By compressing the knees inwardly against the device, the user's thigh adductor muscles are activated in isometric contractions. Because the device includes an elastic strap that extends around the user's legs, the user can also pull the knees outwardly to thereby activate the piriformis muscles in isometric contractions.

A commercially successful device marketed under the trademark Thigh Master® is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,399,138 (the “'138 patent”). The Thigh Master® device uses a helical spring and two arms spaced apart that are adapted for engagement by the user's thighs. The spring biased arms, that have proximal and distal portions, are maintained in a first position and will pivot about the spring to a second position when so urged by the user. The arm proximal portions are joined to the spring so that when the arms are in the first position the proximal portions extend from the spring in the same general direction and are generally parallel to each other. When the arms are in the second position the proximal portions are angled apart from the spring. The exercise device also includes padding mounted on the distal portions of the arms for cushioning the user during use of the device.

U.S. Pat. No. 9,011,301 (“the '301 Patent”) discloses a thigh exercise device that uses a curved track, a pair of resistance assemblies that use pulleys that mounted on the track and an O-ring resistance band that is wound around the two pulleys. A pair of foot pedal assemblies are attached to the curved track, and respectively having a guide pulley, wherein each of the guide pulleys are located within the respective O-ring resistance band and arrange so that the O-ring resistance band is pulled into tension by the guide pulley during movement of the respective foot pedal assembly. This device is designed to be used while seated in a chair.

U.S. Publication No. 20140309091 (“the '091 Publication”) by Tang, discloses a thigh exercise device that uses a track designed to receive the user's feet. The device disclosed in the '091 Publication includes a first base member and a second base member that is pivotally connected in parallel, a first sliding track and a second sliding track respectively which are connected to a first base member and second base member which extends in reverse directions. The device includes a foot plate assembly that is slidably supported on the sliding track. Two elastic loops are respectively coupled between the first foot plate assembly and the base members that enable the user's lateral thigh muscles to be trained.

Further portable exercising devices are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,483,533 (the '533 Patent) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,026,050 the ('050 Patent). The devices disclosed in the '533 and '050 patents use arms that are attached to a central helical spring are designed as adduction exercise devices for exercising certain muscle groups, such as those of the inner thighs by bringing the limbs together.

Yet a further device directed to exercise the thigh muscles is referred to as a “Pilates ring.” An exemplary device is disclosed by Publication No. CN 202554805 by Ure discloses a Pilates ring that includes a flexible annular body and two saddle-shaped handles that are fixed onto the body. Each handle is provided with an arc hand protector that includes a flexible buffer pad. The flexible buffer pads allow users to comfortably hold the Pilates ring. The device can be placed between the user's thighs and compressed to exercise the thigh muscles.

Another technique for the targeted exercise of the thigh muscles is the use elastic bands, such as those disclosed in the patent to Caltaldi, U.S. Pat. No. 6,117,056. Such bands can be secured to a chair and the user is supported by a seat. The elastic straps may be used to perform a variety of isotonic and isometric exercises that include the exercise of the thigh muscles.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is the object of the invention to provide a convenient exercise device for the thigh muscles. It is a further object to provide a thigh muscle exercise device that allows the user to perform both adduction and abduction exercises. It is a further to provide an exercise device for the thigh muscles in which the resistance may be adjusted.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to exercise method and apparatus which uses resistance to activate the adductor and piriformis (hip rotator) muscles in isometric contractions. The apparatus comprises, generally, two arms on which are provided elements that designed to engage the user's legs at the knees and against which resistance is applied by compressing the knees inwardly or by pulling them apart outwardly. In embodiments, the resistance of the device can be altered. In a preferred form of the invention, the device includes two opposite U-shaped. channels that generally are sized and shaped to fit the contours of a user's legs. The device includes handles that are used to securely hold the device in place during the exercise time.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the exercise according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the exercise device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side view in elevation of the device depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the device of FIG. 1 with the plate of the housing removed.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the housing of FIG. 1 and components contained therein.

FIG. 6 depicts a side view in elevation alternative embodiment of a plate assembly that provides resistance.

FIG. 7 is a front view in elevation of the assembly depicted in FIG. 6

FIG. 8 is a opposite side view in elevation of the assembly of FIG. 6

FIG. 9 is a bottom view in elevation of the assembly of FIG. 6.

FIG. 10 is a perspective front view of the assembly of FIG. 6 contained within a housing with the front side wall of the housing removed.

FIG. 11 is a perspective rear view of the assembly of 6 contained within a housing with the rear side wall of the housing removed.

FIG. 12 perspective view of the device of FIG. 1 in engagement with the user's thighs.

DETAILED. DESCRIPTION

Now referring to FIG. 1, an exercise device 101 according the invention includes housing 102 from which extend ridged arms 105 and 107 which have distal ends that terminate at leg engagement elements 116 and 115 respectively. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the arms are tubular and comprised of a metal such as steel or other metal alloy. Leg engagement element 116 includes tubular sleeve member 128 that receives the end of the arm 105 and secures the end. Leg engagements element 116 has a curved section 120 that is sized and shaped to engage the top of a user's thighs near a user's knee and has side sections 125 and 126 that extend downward to provide a opposite inner surfaces that the user can impose a force against to urge arm 105 in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction around a central retaining rod. In an embodiment, the leg engagement elements 115 and 116 are provided with a resilient pad on the inner surface to reduce or mitigate abrasion and discomfort that may be caused by the lateral engagement of the user's knee against sections 125 and 126. The arms 107 and 107 are further provided with handle regions 110 and 112 that are designed to be grasped by the users when the device is in use. In embodiments, handle regions 110 and 112 are characterized by a resilient pad material such as polyethylene foam. In further embodiments, the handle regions may also include flange sections that have an increased diameter which serve to impede the user's hands from sliding in either an upward or downward direction along the respective arms. In yet further embodiments, the handle may further include an extension element that extends from the arms through which the user's fingers and palms are extended to enhance and assist holding the device in position above the knees during use.

Referring now to FIG. 2, on rear surface 150 of housing 102 a lever 160 extends from a.

central axle and can be rotated either counterclockwise or clockwise to vary the tension on the arms 105 and 107.

FIG. 3, a side view of the device, shows the proximal end of arm 107 entering the housing 102 through an opening 155 on the radial end wall 175 of housing 102. The opening 155 in radial end wall 175 serves to restrict the rotational motion of the arm to a predetermined degree.

FIGS. 4 and 5 depict the components of the device that create the resistance on the arms. As best seen in FIG. 5, a threaded rod 505 extends from a threaded seat 509 that is fixed to the front inner surface 510 of housing 102. The rod includes a fixed flange element 507 that engages the rear of plate 515 to prevent axial movement of plate 515 toward the front of the housing. The rod extends through plate 515 that is attached to the terminal end of arm 520 and then through annular resistance element 525. Next, rod 505 extends through annular plate 530 that is attached to the terminal end of arm 522. An engagement element 540, which includes an extended flange section, is attached to rod 505 for engagement of the surface of plate 530 and which will apply pressure on the plate as the rod is rotated. Element 540 prevents the adjustable resistance lever from backing up causing slippage with the resistance. Rod 505 then extends through central aperture 575 provided in the rear radial sidewall 580 of housing 102 and engages lever 160 which extends in a radial direction.

The manner in which the resistance is established in the first embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. Lever 160 may be rotated causing threads on the center rod 505 to engage opposite threads on seat element 509 that is fixed on the inner surface 510 of the rear side of housing 102. As rod 505 is rotated in a first direction, the threads engage and cause plate 530 on arm 522 to be drawn towards plate 515 on arm 520. Moving lever 160 in the opposite direction cases the front plate to travel away from the rear plate. Annular resistance element 525 is provided between plate 530 and plate 515. By varying the torque drat is applied on the lever 160, the resistance between the respective plates and the annular resistance element may be altered. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1 the annular resistance element is comprise of leather. In alternative embodiments, the resistance element is comprised of silica composites, rubber, synthetic rubber, synthetic resins, synthetic resin infused with metal, and Kevlar.

An alternative embodiment of the cooperation between plates that create the resistance is depicted in FIGS. 6-11. FIG. 6, shows assembly 601 that includes connector bolt 630 that passes through plate 615, resistance element 610 and second plate 606. As best seen in FIG. 7, extension member 605 extends from plate 615 and is adapted to be received in an arm member. Extension member 607 is connection to top plate 606. FIG. 8, a view from the opposite side of FIG. 7 that shows the extension member 607 connected with plate 606. The bolt also passes through rectangular member 650 that limits the rotation of the plates with respect to each other. FIG. 9 depicts the extension members 605 and 607 that extend from the plate assembly at a downward angle. Referring now to FIG. 10, the assembly 601 is depicted within housing 900. The assembly is connector to the housing by tab 905 that is affixed to member 915 that extends from the front sidewall of the housing 900. FIG. 11 depicts the rear of the device with the rear sidewall of the housing removed. The lever 960 can be rotated on the connector bolt 630 to draw the plates together to create resistance. The level of resistance is therefore variable and can be controlled by the user's lever by may be varied by the user. The rectangular member 650 limits rotation of the assembly 601 within the housing.

Referring now to FIG. 12, the device 101 is depicted as used in a thigh exercise routine. The user 1221 assumes a seated position on a suitable support member 1225 and the device is placed upright on the users legs 1228 and 1229. The user engages the handles 110 and 112 to stabilize the device while in use. After a resistance is selected using the lever 160, the user draws his or her knees together and there by applies pressure to the respective inner sides of the leg engagement elements. Next the user draws his or her knees apart, thereby applying force to the outer sides of the leg engagement elements. The exercise can then be repeated. The device therefore allows a user to make reciprocating motions, wherein the knees are drawn together and apart and the device applies a constant resistance on the legs and thereby exercise both the inner and outer thigh muscles.

It is to be understood, however, that even though numerous characteristics and advantages of the embodiment have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and methods of use, the disclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be made in materials and structure within the principles of the present disclosure to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed. 

We claim:
 1. An exercise device comprising, a first arm and second arm extending from a central rod to allow for pivotal movement about said rod, said first arm and said second arm further comprising first and second plates and said first and second plates positioned on the proximal end of said arms, a resistance element, said resistance element positioned between said first and said second plates, said first and second arms further comprise opposite leg engagement elements on the distal ends of said arms, wherein said respective leg engagement elements provide lateral surfaces on opposite sides that are adapted to be engaged by both inner side and outer sides of a human leg and, a movable flange member attached to said rod that can impose a variable axial force driving said second plate toward said first plate and compressing said resistance element, thereby creating a resistance to the rotation of said arms with respect to one another.
 2. The device as recited in claim 1 further comprising a central housing, said central housing containing said first plate and said second plate and said rod and said housing having an opening on the radial end wall to allow said first and second arms to extend from said housing.
 3. The device as recited in claim 1 further comprising a lever, wherein the rotation of said lever causes said movable flange member to variably engage and disengage said first and second plate members and compress said resistance element.
 4. The device as recited in claim 1 further comprising handle elements provided on each said arm, said handles adapted to be engaged by a user to support the device in an upright position.
 5. The device as recited in claim 1 wherein said leg engagement elements comprise U-shaped channels.
 6. The device as recited in claims wherein said resistance element is comprised of a leather. 